There’s a certain kind of fear that comes with putting yourself out there. It’s not the kind of fear that makes you run for the hills — it’s quieter, sneakier. The sort that whispers, “What if you’re not good enough?” or “Why would they be interested in you?” And yet, despite those voices in my head, I did something recently that I never truly thought I’d have the courage to do.
I sent a speculative email to the BBC.
Even typing that sentence still makes me raise an eyebrow at myself. Not because it’s outrageous — people send emails to big organisations all the time — but because for me, it felt like a moment of real vulnerability. For someone who’s worked in local community radio for the last three years as a presenter and station manager, the BBC represents the big leagues. The gold standard. The place I grew up listening to, learning from, and dreaming about — even if I never quite admitted that part out loud.
And yet, one quiet morning I sat down and wrote that email. I poured a bit of myself into it — my experience, my passion for broadcasting, my desire to keep learning and growing. I read it. Re-read it. Tweaked a sentence. Questioned my existence. Then, with sweaty palms and a slightly elevated heart rate… I hit send.
Now, if you’ve ever done something like this, you’ll know the next part well. You wait. You refresh your inbox like it owes you money. You convince yourself they’ll never reply. And then — against all odds — a name pops up. A reply.
I won’t pretend it was a job offer or an invitation to the top floor of Broadcasting House. It wasn’t. The email politely explained that there were no current opportunities available — and that’s fair. That’s how this game works. But what really struck me was the tone. It wasn’t robotic or dismissive. It was friendly. Warm. Encouraging. Someone had taken the time to read my email and respond in a way that felt genuine.
And that, in itself, was a small but meaningful win.
It reminded me that reaching out doesn’t always have to result in a dramatic life change to be worth it. Sometimes, it’s about planting seeds. About making connections. About letting the universe — or in this case, the BBC — know that you exist, you care, and you’re ready.
But here’s the twist I didn’t expect.
Something has come out of that email. I can’t say much right now — annoying, I know — but let’s just say that putting myself out there started a conversation. A very interesting one. The sort that makes you sit up a little straighter and wonder if maybe, just maybe, you’re on the edge of something new.
So why am I sharing all this? Because I know I’m not the only one who hesitates. I know how easy it is to talk yourself out of opportunities before you’ve even tried. I know what it’s like to feel like your experience doesn’t quite “measure up.” But if you’re waiting for a sign — this is it.
Send the email. Make the call. Fill out the form. Ask the question. The worst that can happen is silence. The best? Well, I’ll let you know soon…
In the meantime — watch this space. Exciting things may be just around the corner.